Mission in the Pentateuch Missiology Autumn 07 Missiology

Mission in the Pentateuch Missiology (Autumn 07) Missiology Autumn 07

Recapping OT themes n The uniqueness and universality of God n The purpose of God: blessing the nations n The election of Israel for that purpose n The interaction of Israel and the nations n The ethical dimensions of Israel’s visibility n The eschatological ingathering of nations Missiology Autumn 07 2

The unique and universal God n The God of creation (Genesis 1) n The purpose of creation n The place of mankind within creation Missiology Autumn 07 3

READING THE BIBLE MISSIOLOGICALLY The call and promise to Abram (Gen 12) Missio Dei = God’s Mission n Christians believe that God has revealed Himself through His word. 2 Tim. 3: 16 All scripture is inspired… John 5: 39 “…these (Old Testament)…testify about me (Jesus)” The testimony of Jesus is to go to all the earth (Gn 12: 13; Mtt 24: 14; 28: 18 -20) Diachronically dia = across chronos = time n Missiology Autumn 07 4

God’s purposeful creation. God is consistently shown to be the rightful King over all creation. n Those who acknowledge God are part of the kingdom of light. (Col. 1: 12) n Others are part of the kingdom of darkness. (Col. 1: 13) Image of God n Two great missiological implications. n – 1. We can have fellowship with God. The Great Commission is for everyone. The scope. – 2. We can represent God to others. The agency Missiology Autumn 07 5

Three major events n 1. The fall followed by the promise Gn. 3: 15 protoevangelium 2. The flood followed by Shem’s blessing—a people of God n 3. Judgement at Babel followed by Abraham’s blessing Gn 12: 1 -3 Nation=ethne n Abrahamic blessing=missio Dei n Matthew’s Gospel is based upon the Abrahamic blessing. [Mtt 1: 1] & 28: 18 -20 kingdom authority and all nations n Missiology Autumn 07 6

The Law and the Spirit n n n One function of the law is the demonstration of the Fear of the Lord. A Kingdom of Priests [Ex 19: 5 -6] [Ro 15: 16] [1 Pe 2: 9] [Rev. 1: 6] Shema Deut. 6: 4 -5 The Lord is one Speaks of unity and kingship. Tripartite Formula “I will be your God. You will be my people. I will dwell in the midst of you. ” Spirit of Prophecy Numbers 11: 26 -29 “I wish all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them. ” Missiology Autumn 07 7

Kingdom promises n God promises Abraham royal descendants. n God’s blessing comes through a kingdom. [Gn 49: 10] Scepter will not depart from Judah will be a ruling tribe n Balaam Nu. 22 -24 tried to curse Israel, but God’s plan was always to bless Israel so she could bless the nations. Missiology Autumn 07 8

Looking ahead: Joshua God’s presence accompanies those who advance toward His kingdom according to His will. Moses: The Lord Himself will go with you. n All true victories in the kingdom of God are done with the blessing of the nations in view. n 2 X God of all the earth Allocation. n – – Identify the task. Divide the components. Allocate the parts of the work. Plan ahead. Missiology Autumn 07 9

Judges and Ruth n n Judges The Lord will rule over you 8: 23 Contrast between God’s rule and the nations. Strong kingdom consciousness w/o a king. Ruth Israel provides a kinsman-redeemer for a gentile who is then an ancestor of Davidic Kingdom David asks to build a house for God, but God promises a house for David. [2 Sa 7: 16] eternal kingdom. Missiology Autumn 07 10